Description
A refreshing and tangy homemade rhubarb lemonade combining the tartness of rhubarb and lemons with sweetness for a perfect summer drink. This easy-to-make recipe involves simmering rhubarb with lemon juice and sugar to create a flavorful concentrate that is diluted with water to serve.
Ingredients
Rhubarb Lemonade Concentrate
- 3 cups rhubarb, chopped (discard leaves)
- 2 large lemons, juiced and zested
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare Rhubarb: Wash and chop the rhubarb into 1/2-inch pieces. Discard any leaves as they are toxic, and ensure you use a clean knife and cutting surface.
- Prepare Lemons: Wash and zest the lemons using a fine rasp or grater. Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a handheld juicer or fork, then strain to remove seeds.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the water, granulated sugar, chopped rhubarb, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow to cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rhubarb is tender and breaking down.
- Mash and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and gently mash the rhubarb mixture to release more flavor. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Strain Concentrate: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl to remove solids, leaving a smooth rhubarb lemonade concentrate.
- Serve: To make lemonade, dilute the concentrate with water at a recommended ratio of 1 cup concentrate to 3 cups cold water. Stir well and serve over ice.
Notes
- Discard rhubarb leaves as they are toxic and unsafe to consume.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar according to your taste.
- For a chilled lemonade, refrigerate the concentrate and water mixture before serving.
- This concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Optional: add fresh mint leaves or a splash of sparkling water for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American